Garrett has worked across the Australian States and Territories in both public and independent education sectors, with peak Aboriginal consultative groups and within the university sector. He has published a range of educational articles in educational leadership, constructivist learning, science teaching strategies for Indigenous learners. A tete-a-tete with Steve reveals quite a few novel facts about Australian Education and the various options available for students here in the UAE. Over to Steve ...
With so many attractive options out there, why should a prospective student choose Australia as a means to acquire quality higher education?
Students sometimes think that Australia is a very long way from home. However, modern travel means that it is only a flight away.
The cost of living is quite inexpensive, and if you choose to travel, you will have the chance to see some of Australia’s great attractions: the Barrier Reef in Queensland, the snow-topped mountains of Victoria and New South Wales, the white sandy beaches of Western Australia, and the lush greenery of South Australia. The Australian government invests billions of dollars each year in developing Australian education and in university research. Besides this you receive a world-class education in a unique environment. They exchange staff with institutions overseas, participate in international forums, and have partnerships and joint projects with overseas institutions and international research centres. a range of education agents such as the Australian Agency for Education and Training and IDP Gulf target students who want to study in Australia.
How is the education or teaching style in an Australian lecture/classroom different from that of other curricula?
Teachers give lectures that present background information and viewpoints, but they do not expect you to memorise the material presented. They prefer that you develop your own viewpoint and to discuss it with other students during tutorials and seminars.
Sometimes the discussions are lengthy and there is no “right” answer. You are expected to think critically, to consider all sides of a question, and then come to logical conclusions.
Students pursuing specialised degress, such as medical courses, what’s the scope?
Given Australia’s unique geography, its flora and fauna, students in sciences often make up fine programmes of study there due to it’s multi-cultural population and dynamic economy. Australia has a fine reputation in medical and Health Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering having producedc five Nobel Prize winners over the years.
The Abu Dhabi Education Council has chosen Australia as it’s pick for formulating education courses for its students ranging from primary grades to High School.
Yes, it was a world-wide tender and a very big achievement for Australia. It was finalised through the Department of Education, New South Wales and they have the responsibility over formulation of education curricula right through the development grades of a youngster, a very big achievement, indeed.
Your comments on the increasing number of GCC nationals, travelling to Australia in pursuit of long and short term degrees.
Yes, the growth has been exponential indeed. Every year we are honoured at the number of students who choose Australia to pursue long and short-term courses. We only expect this number to get stronger by the year. I could flood you with stats, but the key fact here is that be it Saudi, Bahraini, Qatari or UAE nationals, the growth figures features in hundreds when it comes to percentages and this is not counting the blooming expat population who also choose Australia!
How is the Australian university curriculum, different from those of other international education providers such as the US?
The Australian academic year differs from that in North America. The first semester begins in late February and continues to mid or late June. The second semester begins in mid-July and continues until late November. Examination periods at the end of each semester can last over two weeks. In most cases orientation for international students takes place the week before the beginning of the semester.
Tell us more about ELICOS. What does it mean and who should enrol?
ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. ELICOS programmes are designed pecifically for people who come to Australia to study English either for educational purposes or for other reasons. There are a range of courses including General English; English for Special Purposes; Vacation Courses; and Examination Preparation. Many students also take foundation studies both before and after orientation.
Tell us about the case with the University of Wollongong offering localised degrees accredited by the Australia?
The University of Wollongong can be considered the lighthouse for college-level education seekers in the UAE. It has standardised its degrees to meet local standards, so it is accredited to offer UAE attested degrees certified to Australian Standards. So it is as good as studying in Australia and of course the students can transfer to Australia with credits.
Are there any standardisation agencies who help maintain quality control on the education programmes offered by Australian universities?
Yes, as a matter of fact, there are. Australia’s national quality assurance system is unique in both its structure and its rigour. The system combines government regulation and industry self-regulation. Each sector has its own comprehensive quality assurance mechanisms. For example, the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) and the Australian Quality Training Framework 2007 (AQTF 2007) have been set up by the Government to strengthen the quality assurance processes in education and training in Australia. Australia has also developed a Transnational Education Strategy, to ensure that any Australian course offered offshore meets the standards found in Australia.